Early morning fire in Salem City under investigation as 'suspicious,' authorities say

SALEM — An early morning fire on Church Street has been ruled suspicious by investigating authorities, though fire officials are continuing to examine the exact cause and origin of the blaze, authorities said.

According to Salem City Police Chief John Pelura III, who responded to the fire as battalion chief of the Washington Fire Co., the five occupants of the home — two adults and three children — were not inside when the fire occurred.

“It was an occupied house, but the occupants were not inside when the fire started,” Pelura said. “There were no injuries.”

Following a preliminary investigation of the scene, Pelura said Thursday afternoon that authorities are investigating the fire as “suspicious.”

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Despite the house being occupied, Pelura said there was no electric running to the house.

The Church Street home is set back from the roadway, largely blocked from view from the street. The white, two-story structure is accessed only by a narrow alley.

Elizabeth Billip, a Church Street resident who was outside during the fire, said she couldn’t see much because of where the house was situated, but knew the fire was serious.

“I seen smoke and smelled wood burning,” Billip said. “Then I heard the windows busting out. When I heard that, I knew it must be serious.”

The fire was deemed well under control after about 20 minutes, and fully under control within an hour, Pelura said.

By then, however, the house looked to be well gutted by the blaze.

According to Laura Steinmetz, Community and Government Relations Officer for the American Red Cross South Jersey Chapter, the five occupants of the home were provided with food, clothing and hotel accommodations through the Red Cross.

The exact cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and Salem City Police Department.